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Toilets are one of the unsung heroes of every household. Whether your toilet is in a powder room close to your home office or in a hallway bath near your baby’s nursery, the disturbing sound of a toilet flushing is never music to anyone’s ears.
There are several reasons why some toilets tend to be louder than others. Sometimes it’s just a simple problem with a potentially simple solution. Still, other times, there’s just no easy fix.
We’ve all heard noises coming from the toilet at one time or another. Whether they occur immediately after flushing or out of the blue, these sounds can be disturbing.
But the good news is that most toilet noises are brief, temporary, and nothing to worry about.
So before calling a costly plumber, or worse, taking matters into your own hands, being able to identify the sound is helpful.
Banging Noise
One of the more annoying, and potentially serious noises coming from a toilet is the sound of banging. Sometimes the banging sounds we hear are simply loose bolts or screws. Other times, however, a loud “water hammer” noise might actually be the water inside your pipes hitting the valve.
This is normally due to high pressure inside of the pipes. While this might seem like a small problem, it could actually be indicative of a larger issue.
Tips & Tricks
Start by examining and tightening all bolts on the unit. Check the screws holding your seat and lid in place as well
If the problem persists, there might be a more serious problem, and calling a professional plumber would be a wise move.
Loud Echoes
The sound of water hitting pipes or porcelain can create a loud echo in your toilet when flushing. Obstructions that cause an increase in water pressure are another cause for an amplified echo.
When a pipe or valve is restricted by a clog or obstruction, the water will trickle slowly, rather than flowing smoothly.
Tips & Tricks
Eliminate obstructions by plunging the toilet
Snake the trapway
Clean or replace valves
Place a brick inside of a large tank to displace some of the volume.
Gurgling Sound
One cause of these noises can be water filling up a large toilet tank. As the water fills the formerly empty space, it gurgles loudly, with the remaining air in the cistern amplifying the sound.
Because of the variety of causes, gurgling or bubbling sounds can be difficult to diagnose. One of the most common issues that can cause this noise is a blockage in the sewer drain, the toilet itself, or in a vent stack.
Tips & Tricks
If the toilet is clogged, plunging the toilet might do the job.
Install a quiet fill valve. These flush valves fill the toilet tank below the waterline, minimizing any gurgling.
If nothing works, it’s probably a more serious problem, requiring professional help. Until the problem is resolved, it’s best to refrain from using the toilet.
Loud Flush or Tank Refill
Restricted, tight, or stiff valves can impact water pressure, causing a loud flush or tank refill sound. Water may also make noise when it is forced to trickle into the tank too slowly because of a restricted or closed water supply valve.
Tips & Tricks
Replace the valve
Alter the water pressure by partially lowering the water supply.
Our team of experts took a close look and reviewed the top quiet flush toilets on the market.
1. Kohler Wellworth – Editor’s Choice
Pros and Cons
Powerful flush minimizes clogs
Two option flushing capability: 1.6 or 1.1 GPF flush
3-stylish color options: white, biscuit and black
Toilet seat must be purchased separately
Does not include wax ring
Feature List - Model no. K-3987
Flush Specs
› Flush System – Class Five FlushWhat is a Class Five Flush?Larger flush valve. 3.25″ valve vs. a standard. 2.83″ valve. Utilizes additional water jets.
› Water Consumption – 1.1/1.6 GPFGallons Per FlushEfficient toilets use 1.28 gallons per flush, saving 20% more water than 1.6 GPF toilets.
› Type – DualFlush Type ExplainedA single flush is one press of the lever for a full flush. A dual flush allows the option for a partial or full flush.
› Flush Score – 1000 MaPWhat is MaP?Grams of waste removed in a single flush. Scale = 0 - 1000
Design & Style
› Style – Two-PieceStyle ExplainedTwo-piece toilets has a separate tank and bowl. One-piece toilet has a seamless design of the tank and bowl.
› Bowl Shape – RoundShape ExplainedElongated bowls are oval shaped and 2” inches wider than round bowls
› Bowl Glaze – N/A
› Trapway Style – Exposed
Dimensions
› Toilet Measurements –27-3/4″ x 18″ x 29-1/4″
› Rough-inWhat is a Rough-in?Measurement between center of waste pipe and wall – 12″
› Trapway SizeWhat is a Trapway?S-shaped curved channel inside the base of the toilet. Waste travels from the bowl through the trapway, then out the bottom of the toilet. – 2-1/8″
› Seat HeightWhat is the Seat Height?The measurement from the floor to the top of the toilet seat. Standard height toilets measure between 15 - 17 inches, while chair height toilets measure 17 inches or more. – 15-1/4″
"One of the most popular Kohler’s toilets, the Kohler Wellworth is at the top of the list of quiet flush toilets....and customers agree."
Cleanliness
Many higher-end toilets today feature special coatings that prevent waste from adhering.
Usually, the inside of the bowl is coated to prevent skid marks. Often, the exterior also receives the same treatment, making it very easy and quick to clean.
Unfortunately, there are no such coatings on the Wellworth. It’s still finished in a high gloss, so waste won’t stick too easily. However, it does seem that you’ll need to clean this toilet more often than others that we’ve used.
We noticed that at first, the water level in the bowl was too low, which was causing this problem to appear worse than it really is.
There’s an adjustment in the tank so you can change the standing water level in the bowl. Once we made the proper adjustments, the problem was minimized, though still existed.
Even with the water level set correctly, the lack of a special coating on the bowl meant that we had to clean the bowl regularly to prevent it from becoming a nasty mess.
Leak Issues We Noticed
Usually, when we experience leaks on a toilet, it’s involving the internals, a supply line, or a fitting. But with the Wellworth, we had an entirely different experience.
When the toilet arrived, we noticed a tiny hairline crack in the tank. It only took a few months for this to start slowly leaking a small dribble of water.
Through our research, we also discovered that similar issues had occurred with other Wellworth toilets. Worse, some of them seem to arrive in good condition but then develop cracks that lead to leaks with regular use.
If the china on your toilet cracks and begins to leak, the entire toilet will need to be replaced.
This is a great dual flush toilet if you're looking for one with a handle versus buttons that you commonly see. Customers mention seeing fewer clogs and a powerful flush with this toilet. One buyer sums it up nicely - "This toilet is amazing! Flushes very quickly with very little water. I have installed two of them. Good value."
Pressure-assisted powerful flush makes cleaning a breeze
Very quiet flush
Flushing system refills quickly
16-3/4″ inch seat-height ideal for people with disabilities
Low water level doesn’t always clear the bowl
Feature List
Flush Specs
› Flush System – Stealth flush
› Water Consumption – 0.8 GPFGallons Per FlushEfficient toilets use 1.28 gallons per flush, saving 20% more water than 1.6 GPF toilets.
› Type – SingleFlush Type ExplainedA single flush is one press of the lever for a full flush. A dual flush allows the option for a partial or full flush.
› Flush Score – 800 MaPWhat is MaP?Grams of waste removed in a single flush. Scale = 0 - 1000
Design & Style
› Style – Two-PieceStyle ExplainedTwo-piece toilets has a separate tank and bowl. One-piece toilet has a seamless design of the tank and bowl.
› Bowl Shape – RoundShape ExplainedElongated bowls are oval shaped and 2” inches wider than round bowls
› Bowl Glaze – N/A
› Trapway Style – Exposed
Dimensions
› Toilet Measurements –27″ x 18-1/4″ x 30″
› Rough-inWhat is a Rough-in?Measurement between center of waste pipe and wall – 12″
› Trapway SizeWhat is a Trapway?S-shaped curved channel inside the base of the toilet. Waste travels from the bowl through the trapway, then out the bottom of the toilet. – 2″
› Seat HeightWhat is the Seat Height?The measurement from the floor to the top of the toilet seat. Standard height toilets measure between 15 - 17 inches, while chair height toilets measure 17 inches or more. – 16-3/4″
See toilet dimensions
If water efficiency and cost savings are your concern, the low-flow, long-lasting Niagara Stealth, voted best in class, is the toilet for you.
Most pressure-assisted toilets are not well-known for being quiet, but the Niagara Stealth, with 0.8 GPF water consumption, is not only easy on the ears, it’s the most efficient toilet in its class.
Packing a powerful flush, using less water and energy, performance is optimal, flushes are efficient, and cleaning is a breeze with this super-quiet toilet! Customers like the higher seat, ideal for older customers and those with physical limitations.
The EverClean surface minimizes staining and prevents any bacteria and mold from forming
Adjustments may be required for effective flushing
Feature List - Model no. 2889.218
Flush Specs
› Flush System – Siphonic Dual Flush
› Water Consumption – 0.92/1.28 GPFGPFGallons Per FlushEfficient toilets use 1.28 gallons per flush, saving 20% more water than 1.6 GPF toilets.
› Type – DualFlush Type ExplainedA single flush is one press of the lever for a full flush. A dual flush allows the option for a partial or full flush.
› Flush Score – 600 MaPWhat is MaP?Grams of waste removed in a single flush. Scale = 0 - 1000
Design & Style
› Style – Two-PieceStyle ExplainedTwo-piece toilets has a separate tank and bowl. One-piece toilet has a seamless design of the tank and bowl.
› Bowl Shape – RoundShape ExplainedElongated bowls are oval shaped and 2” inches wider than round bowls
› Bowl Glaze – EverClean
› Trapway Style – Exposed
Dimensions
› Toilet Measurements –27-3/4″ x 15″ x 30″
› Rough-inWhat is a Rough-in?Measurement between center of waste pipe and wall – 12″
› Trapway SizeWhat is a Trapway?S-shaped curved channel inside the base of the toilet. Waste travels from the bowl through the trapway, then out the bottom of the toilet. – 2″
› Seat HeightWhat is the Seat Height?The measurement from the floor to the top of the toilet seat. Standard height toilets measure between 15 - 17 inches, while chair height toilets measure 17 inches or more. – 15-3/4″
With a name that’s synonymous with durability in toilets, the American Standard H2Option offers the best bang for its buck. And as dual flush systems grow in popularity, demand for the budget-friendly, ever-sturdy, EPA WaterSense certified American Standard H2Option keeps growing stronger every year.
Highly-efficient, allowing users to choose between a 0.92 GPF and 1.28 GPF flush, the American Standard H2Option’s pressurized PowerWash rim keeps the bowl clean flush after flush.
Weighing in at a sturdy 91 pounds of vitreous china, this American Standard toilet is made to last for years to come.
Color Options
White
Bone
Linen
Seat Options
American Standard #5259B.65C Easy Lift and Clean Round Front Seat
The best value for the price, customers love this American-made toilet for its easy installation and dual-flush capability, making it powerful but still very efficient. Customers love the cost-savings of the American Standard H2Option and the confidence of owning the American Standard brand.
Flush is efficient, leaves the bowl clean and rarely clogs
Stands up to heavy use over time
Quiet gravity flush technology
Oblong seats are not comfortable for small children
109 pounds: Heavy one-piece design
Feature List - Model no. K-3810
Flush Specs
› Flush System – AquaPiston 360° Gravity FlushWhat is a AquaPiston 360° Gravity Flush?Flapper-less design using a canister. Water rotates 360 degree into the bowl, creating a powerful flush.
› Water Consumption – 1.28 GPFGallons Per FlushEfficient toilets use 1.28 gallons per flush, saving 20% more water than 1.6 GPF toilets.
› Type – SingleFlush Type ExplainedA single flush is one press of the lever for a full flush. A dual flush allows the option for a partial or full flush.
› Flush Score – 1000 MaPWhat is MaP?Grams of waste removed in a single flush. Scale = 0 - 1000
Design & Style
› Style – One-PieceStyle ExplainedTwo-piece toilets has a separate tank and bowl. One-piece toilet has a seamless design of the tank and bowl.
› Bowl Shape – ElongatedShape ExplainedElongated bowls are oval shaped and 2” inches wider than round bowls
› Bowl Glaze – N/A
› Trapway Style – Exposed
Dimensions
› Toilet Measurements –27-3/4″ x 18-3/4″ x 28-3/16″
› Rough-inWhat is a Rough-in?Measurement between center of waste pipe and wall – 12″
› Trapway SizeWhat is a Trapway?S-shaped curved channel inside the base of the toilet. Waste travels from the bowl through the trapway, then out the bottom of the toilet. – 2-1/8″
› Seat HeightWhat is the Seat Height?The measurement from the floor to the top of the toilet seat. Standard height toilets measure between 15 - 17 inches, while chair height toilets measure 17 inches or more. – 17-1/4″
One of Kohler’s most comfortable toilets, the oblong-shaped Santa Rosa toilet, with its 17-1/4" right-height seat is a customer favorite. Perfect for customers over 6 feet tall, the higher seat height, long-lasting and durable construction, and EPA WaterSense certification, the Santa Rosa is not only quiet and comfortable, but cost-efficient.
Customers love the modern design and comfort of the Santa Rosa. Easy-to-install, this elegantly-styled toilet is quiet and beautiful at an affordable price.
Design is not compact, not suitable for small bathrooms
Feature List - Model no: T-0001
Flush Specs
› Flush System – Siphonic actionSiphonic ExplainedA traditional flush system, also known as a gravity flush, uses a vacuum action to pull waste into the trapway
› Water Consumption – 1.0-1.28GPFGallons Per FlushEfficient toilets use 1.28 gallons per flush, saving 20% more water than 1.6 GPF toilets.
› Type – DualFlush Type ExplainedA single flush is one press of the lever for a full flush. A dual flush allows the option for a partial or full flush.
› Flush Score – 1000 MaPWhat is MaP?Grams of waste removed in a single flush. Scale = 0 - 1000
Design & Style
› Style – One-PieceStyle ExplainedTwo-piece toilets has a separate tank and bowl. One-piece toilet has a seamless design of the tank and bowl.
› Bowl Shape – ElongatedShape ExplainedElongated bowls are oval shaped and 2” inches wider than round bowls
› Bowl Glaze – N/A
› Trapway Style – Concealed
Dimensions
› Toilet Measurements – 28-1/2″ x 14-1/2″ x 27-1/2″
› Rough-inWhat is a Rough-in?Measurement between center of waste pipe and wall – 12″
› Trapway SizeWhat is a Trapway?S-shaped curved channel inside the base of the toilet. Waste travels from the bowl through the trapway, then out the bottom of the toilet. – 3″
› Seat HeightWhat is the Seat Height?The measurement from the floor to the top of the toilet seat. Standard height toilets measure between 15 - 17 inches, while chair height toilets measure 17 inches or more. – 18″
Extremely quiet and powerful, the luxurious, sleek, and modern T-0001 Woodbridge has a design that blends beautifully into any bathroom decor. Simple to maintain, the comfortable height design is ideal for older users and customers with physical limitations.
A skirted and fully glazed trapway allows waste to go down completely in only one flush. Simple wipe-and-go cleaning makes it the easiest toilet to maintain on the market, perfect for the oldest and youngest users. A 12-inch rough-in makes for easy installation and its EPA WaterSense criteria saves water.
Color Option
White
Button Color Options
Matte Black
Brushed Nickel
Brushed Gold
Oil Rubbed Bronze
Model Variations
Our Opinion
Buyers love the sleek look and modern design of the Woodbridge T-0001-CH. The powerful flush makes this toilet easy to clean and the dual flush system saves water, making it a cost-friendly choices!
A powerful flush keeps the bowl clean, minimizing cleaning
Expensive option for a toilet
Installation was challenging for some, consider hiring a professional
Feature List - Model no. MS604114CEF
Flush Specs
› Flush System – Dynamax Tornado FlushTOTO Tornado Flush TechnologyA flush with centrifugal and cyclonic action that rinses waste away efficiently and keeps bowl cleaner
› Water Consumption – 1.28 GPFGallons Per FlushEfficient toilets use 1.28 gallons per flush, saving 20% more water than 1.6 GPF toilets.
› Type – SingleFlush Type ExplainedA single flush is one press of the lever for a full flush. A dual flush allows the option for a partial or full flush.
› Flush Score – 500 MaPWhat is MaP?Grams of waste removed in a single flush. Scale = 0 - 1000
Design & Style
› Style – One-PieceStyle ExplainedTwo-piece toilets has a separate tank and bowl. One-piece toilet has a seamless design of the tank and bowl.
› Bowl Shape – ElongatedShape ExplainedElongated bowls are oval shaped and 2” inches wider than round bowls
› Bowl Glaze – CEFIONTECT
› Trapway Style – Exposed
Dimensions
› Toilet Measurements –28-3/8″ x 16-5/8″ x 28-3/4″
› Rough-inWhat is a Rough-in?Measurement between center of waste pipe and wall – 12″
› Trapway SizeWhat is a Trapway?S-shaped curved channel inside the base of the toilet. Waste travels from the bowl through the trapway, then out the bottom of the toilet. – 2-1/8″
› Seat HeightWhat is the Seat Height?The measurement from the floor to the top of the toilet seat. Standard height toilets measure between 15 - 17 inches, while chair height toilets measure 17 inches or more. – 17-1/4″
The TOTO UltraMax II offers a lot of useful features as well as great efficiency and performance. Its one-piece construction allows you to clean and maintain the bowl with ease.
Furthermore, it features the CEFIONTECT glaze, making the bowl lubricious enough that particles won’t get attached to the bowl and develop bacteria. The TOTO UltraMax II is highly efficient, consuming only 1.28 GPF.
This system is a bit lighter than the previous one and weighs only 99 pounds.
Another cool thing about the UltraMax II is that it comes with a soft-close seat. The UltraMax II is made out of extremely durable and long-lasting china.
The elongated shape, as well as the universal height, offer great comfort.
Plus, the UltraMax II is EPA WaterSense certified, ADA-compliant, CEC, and CALGreen compliant.
Always a good sign when customers come back and purchase a second one, which is the case with this toilet. While a couple of reviewers mention clogging issues, most are happy with the powerful flush of this toilet. The one-piece design offers a sleek, modern look that customers love.
Installation is straightforward, even for those wiht little experence
Very stylish, modern design for your space
Noticeable water savings, especially if you have an older toilet
Durable design holds up over time
Not very compact, review specs to ensure you have teh space
Feature List - Model no. CST454CUF
Flush Specs
› Flush System – Dynamax Tornado FlushTOTO Tornado Flush TechnologyA flush with centrifugal and cyclonic action that rinses waste away efficiently and keeps bowl cleaner
› Water Consumption – 1.0 GPFGallons Per FlushEfficient toilets use 1.28 gallons per flush, saving 20% more water than 1.6 GPF toilets.
› Type – SingleFlush Type ExplainedA single flush is one press of the lever for a full flush. A dual flush allows the option for a partial or full flush.
› Flush Score – 800 MaPWhat is MaP?Grams of waste removed in a single flush. Scale = 0 - 1000
Design & Style
› Style – Two-PieceStyle ExplainedTwo-piece toilets has a separate tank and bowl. One-piece toilet has a seamless design of the tank and bowl.
› Bowl Shape – ElongatedShape ExplainedElongated bowls are oval shaped and 2” inches wider than round bowls
› Bowl Glaze – CEFIONTECT
› Trapway Style – Exposed
Dimensions
› Toilet Measurements –28-1/2″ x 16″ x 30″
› Rough-inWhat is a Rough-in?Measurement between center of waste pipe and wall – 12″
› Trapway SizeWhat is a Trapway?S-shaped curved channel inside the base of the toilet. Waste travels from the bowl through the trapway, then out the bottom of the toilet. – 2-1/8″
› Seat HeightWhat is the Seat Height?The measurement from the floor to the top of the toilet seat. Standard height toilets measure between 15 - 17 inches, while chair height toilets measure 17 inches or more. – 17-1/4″
The TOTO Drake II is just about one of the most stylish TOTO toilets from this series. Although this toilet is known for being very quiet, it manages to provide powerful flushes.
The Drake II uses Tornado flush, and 1.0 GPF. The TOTO Drake II is also ADA-compliant, and the elongated shape of the toilet makes it very comfortable.
The trapway is wide, fully glazed, and computer design.
This toilet has a 12-inch rough-in, making it easy to set up and install.
Plus, it weighs only 94 pounds. The design of the Drake II is modern, minimalistic, and stylish. Just like the previous model, the Drake II is also available in four colors. Cotton white is the most popular option among buyers.
However, it is also available in sedona beige, colonial white, and bone. As this toilet is made out of vitreous china, it is very durable and long-lasting.
One buyer was so please with this toilet that they penned a poem! "With one gallon per flush, we're doing our part. Saving water for the drought." Customers like the water efficiency of this toilet and shared that it cuts down on their cleaning time.
Although it may seem like tankless toilets are less noisy, it still depends on many other factors, like the pressure and the amount of water a toilet needs. If a toilet needs a lot of pressure to provide a powerful flush, it is more likely to be loud. The same goes for the amount of water.
Is there a quiet flushing toilet?
Yes, there are many quiet flush toilets. Flushing noise depends on a toilet’s flushing system. More advanced systems tend to have reduced noise.
What is the least noisy toilet?
The quietest toilet on the market is the Kohler Wellworth. The toilet is a fantastic unit overall, as its design maximizes both comfort and efficiency. The Wellworth’s low water consumption and quiet flush truly makes it hard to beat.
How do I make my toilet flush quieter?
To make your toilet quieter, make sure to tighten every pipe. Afterwards, look into the tank to see if there’s any underlying issue that’s causing excessive noise, such as an improperly adjusted flapper.
You can also adjust your water level in the tank by adjusting the fill valve’s level. The lower the water in the tank, the noisier the flushes tend to be.
Are tankless toilets quiet?
While tankless toilets can be quiet, not every tankless toilet is equal. It all depends on the model. Some tankless toilets are equipped with noise-reducing flushing technology which drastically decreased their noise level. However, other models can produce as much noise as a conventional tank toilet.
Is tornado flush quiet?
TOTO’s Tornado Flush system is powerful yet quiet. The advanced flushing technology uses less water and produces less noise compared to its competitors.
Final Verdict
Don’t let a noisy toilet disrupt your sleep, threaten your privacy, or wake up your baby again! Noisy toilets are caused by common, fixable issues that you can easily identify and remedy. And if you don’t deal with the hassle, or just want to start out with a low-noise toilet, there are plenty on the marketplace to choose from. Happy flushing!
